On the first day of Surrey's pre-season match with Sussex at Hove, Jamie Overton scored an unbeaten 70.
Surrey's preparations for the 2024 season began with this pre-season friendly against Sussex. The toss was uncontested, and Surrey batted first.
On a cold morning on the coast, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley opened the batting.
Burns was caught behind by new Sussex captain John Simpson for 2 off the bowling of Sean Hunt. Sibley departed next, caught on the leg side by Hudson-Prentice off the bowling of Ari Karvelas for 20, leaving Surrey at 25/2.
Ryan Patel followed, top-edging a pull shot off Henry Crocombe to Oli Carter at 42.
Jordan Clark joined Jamie Smith, and the pair immediately looked to score. Smith continued his form from 2023, hitting nine boundaries on his way to 51.
Clark was caught behind off Hudson-Prentice's bowling for 29. Smith departed one over later for 51 from 45 balls, leaving Surrey at 110/5.
Cam Steel and Jamie Overton then came together and attempted to score, but Steel was eventually trapped lbw by Danny Lamb for 16. All-rounder Tom Lawes joined Overton, who continued to play aggressively.
Overton hit three sixes and eight fours on his way to an unbeaten 70, showcasing his aggressive style.
Tom Lawes was bowled by Cole for 25 as Surrey's innings ended at 221.
Dan Worrall made the breakthrough with Tom Haines caught on the leg side for 6, leaving the hosts at 15/1.
Tom Alsop joined Tom Clark, and they batted out the remaining 15 overs of the day. Play was stopped due to bad light with Sussex at 60/1, with Tom Clark on 40 not out and Tom Alsop on 12 not out.